Recherche Bay celebrated in oils by painter Ian Hansen
Photo: Dr Bob Brown, with artist Ian Hansen presenting the painting to Jennifer Storer of TMAG.
The Tasmanian Land Conservancy congratulates the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) on a recent addition to its’ collection; a large oil painting by celebrated Sydney marine artist Ian Hansen. The painting depicts the Lyluequonny People farewelling d’Entrecasteaux’s tall ships, the Recherche and Esperance, upon their departure from Recherche Bay in 1793.
The magnificent painting was commissioned and generously gifted to TMAG by Dr Bob Brown through The Bob Brown Foundation. The painting not only illuminates an historic and peaceful encounter between two peoples but highlights the importance of preserving a place of immense cultural and environmental significance such as Recherche Bay.
The Tasmanian Land Conservancy’s spectacular 142 hectare Recherche Bay permanent reserve was protected in 2006 with the assistance of Dr Bob Brown, Dick and Pip Smith and generous community support. Historic remnants of d’Entrecasteaux’s encampment are located within the permanent reserve. The reserve also provides habitat for the critically endangered swamp eyebright as well as several threatened bird species including white-bellied sea eagles, grey goshawks and swift parrots.